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Psalm 107:8 NLT

'Let them praise the LORD for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them.'

I was recently reflecting with an American friend that the British psyche appears to be located in the ‘glass half-empty’ category. I went on to explain how she must have observed that when asked a simple question like, “How are you?” a typical response might be, “I can’t complain”, the inference being somewhat disappointing. Or perhaps the response might be, “I can’t grumble”, suggesting a longing to have at least something to grumble about.

The challenge is that our words deeply impact our physical and psychological condition. Years ago I found myself answering questions about how I was by replying, “I’m tired.” I journeyed daily with an increasing sense of tiredness because I was simply declaring this is how I was. Maybe I had been busy and my body desired a rest, but tiredness was not my identity. I might have more helpfully said, “I have been busy and I am looking forward to a rest this weekend.”

I’m not advocating the power of positive thought here. I am reminding us all that words have consequences. It’s less ‘positive thinking’ and more ‘accurate reporting’. The question, “How are you?” deserves an honest response. So Jayne with her chronic pain condition answers both with a clarification of her scale of pain and where it’s located, as well as her general state of mind, anything from happy through to anxious, and able to locate the source of both happiness and anxiety. Specifics help the brain to process our physical and psychological condition effectively.

This week is a great opportunity to practise some thanksgiving! Many reports about the condition of the world will sound relatively downbeat. However, I can specifically give thanks to God for his steadfast love. God isn’t letting go of me, regardless of circumstance. And God’s wonderful works to humanity are self-evident. Time to recall some of the good things God has done in my life, regardless of adverse events. This is the purpose of thanksgiving, building a firebreak in front of an apparent wall of fire, breaking into what can become a negative downward spiral.

QUESTION: Write a list of all the things you can be thankful to God for.

PRAYER: Lord, you have done marvellous things and I am so grateful.